Articles

SCENAR Therapy. Article by Margarita Gurevich, published in Mouth Of Mums

Scenar Therapy

by Margarita Gurevich 
Senior Physiotherapist

More and more people are becoming aware of SCENAR therapy - a revolutionary treatment method which is slowly becoming increasingly popular. A few years ago it was even featured on A Current Affair.  

This unique device was developed in Russia initially for the rehabilitation of astronauts coming back from space. It quickly became obvious how effective SCENAR therapy was for general rehab purposes and soon a large number of doctors and physiotherapists were using the SCENAR to treat their patients in many European countries.

Unlike the way it sounds phonetically SCENAR is not a scanning device, which a lot of people associate it with when they hear the term. In fact SCENAR is an acronym which stands for Self-Controlled Energy Neuro Adaptive Regulator.

The tool itself is a small, hand-held device that can be applied to most problem areas which are causing pain to an individual. Electrical impulses are sent from the device which interacts with the nerves of the painful region. The individual being treated should feel a tingling sensation which may be slightly uncomfortable, but not painful. The intensity can be adjusted without any impact on the therapeutic effect, so you do not have to endure a torturous treatment session!

Locally (i.e. at the site of pain) the SCENAR is able to stimulate the muscles and blood vessels in order to improve blood flow and reduce swelling, inflammation and importantly pain. More globally (i.e. around the body) the SCENAR can have positive effects on the nervous, endocrine and immune systems.

How does SCENAR therapy achieve this?

The device’s interaction with nerves, and therefore the central nervous system, will help reduce the pain response being elicited. Additionally, the increase in local blood flow means more oxygen, nutrients and other factors such as cytokines and other anti-inflammatory mediators being directed to the site of pain, increasing the rate of healing. Once the pain levels are reduced, additional treatments such as specific exercises may be given to supplement and prolong the effect of the SCENAR therapy in order to improve the strength, stability and mobility of the area being treated in an effort to avoid any recurrence of the issue.

Typically you should see a good, measurable improvement after 3 sessions of SCENAR treatment. A full course of treatment can, however, last up to 12 sessions or more, depending on the nature of the injury and whether it is just an acute pain, or a more stubborn chronic condition.

What conditions can SCENAR therapy help with?

·   Muscle and joint pain (including back and neck pain)

·   Headaches

·   Osteoarthritis

·   Irritable bowel syndromefunctional dyspepsia, gastritis and lazy gut

·   Asthmabronchitis

·   Many functional, unexplained conditions where serious pathology has been ruled out yet the symptoms remain.

Exciting SCENAR therapy facts

· The treatment is completely pain-free and safe

· Effects are felt after a maximum of three sessions

· No negative side effects

· Very few contraindications

 

 A word of caution

With SCENAR being relatively new in Australia there are currently very few professional and regulatory requirements to fulfil to become a SCENAR therapist. Therefore it is important to thoroughly research any therapist you wish to see. This allows you to make an informed decision about who you are receiving treatment from.

 

Seeing a qualified physiotherapist who is also a certified SCENAR therapist will ensure that you will receive the best possible treatment. Even though SCENAR therapy has virtually no negative side effects and very few contraindications it’s very important that your physiotherapist conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment, including an analysis of your medical history, in order to determine whether SCENAR therapy is the right treatment for you.